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Winter is a season of the year that requires utmost care and preparation in order for one to avert the cold as well as ensure they are driving in snow safely. This is imperative to ensure that you avoid breakdowns. Motor breakdowns are more common during this season than any other time of the year. However, when one takes basic advice seriously, they will remain safe all through the season.

One of the things that bring about most breakdowns is dysfunctional batteries and electrical gadgets. The wipers heater lights demand high power from the car battery, which means that if you are driving in the dark, the battery may give in to the high power demand. The average lifespan of a car battery is approximately five years, which means that if you replace it before its lifespan ends, you will be on the safer side and have a more pleasurable experience in winter. Here are some of the things that you can do to extend the battery life.

Avoid running the electric gadgets unnecessarily long, you may consider turning off the fan heater and switch off the rear heater when the windows are clear. If the car will remain idle for more than two days, you may consider starting just to get the battery active. Turn off unnecessary electrical gadgets before turning on the engine.

One way you know that the water pump is frozen is if you start the engine and you hear a squealing noise, this is the fan belt slipping against the pulley and this means that the cylinder may be frozen. What you need to do is stop the engine and allow thawing to take place, which can take a couple of days. Conversely, you can move the car to a heated garage for faster thawing.

The other part that often freezes up in winter is the radiator, and you can easily recognize this if the car begins over heating after few miles of driving. To avert this problem you must allow the radiator to thaw. Thawing the radiator will cost a few dollars, however a broken down engine will cost much more in repairs. Current cars have long lasting antifreeze, however it is imperative that you use the right one and avoid swapping types, as this will ensure safe driving in snow.

You cannot afford to drive in poor visibility in winter this can turn disastrous. Ensure that the windows are clear, and where snowfall dirt and stickers obscure visibility, you can actually face a fine. Ensure that the windows are clear of snow as well as the roof since this can fall on the windows obscuring visibility. This can also pose as a hazard to other road users. You also must make sure that the wipers are functional to avert potential trouble.

You must ensure that you have perfect visibility this means ensuring that all the lenses and bulbs are in good working condition. Sometimes the roads get mucky in winter, hence the need to clean the lights with every trip. Ensure that the number plates are clean as well; keeping them dirty can result in a fine. Whenever you have to clear snow from the car, clean both the front and back lights and also the roof and glass. Headlights are very important in reduced visibility, and you can use the rear and front fog lights. However, switch them off when visibility improves.

Ensure that you do not reduce the size of the tires to get a better grip, what will happen is that you will be less stable. Some isolated areas require one to use chains, however, rarely are they required. Remember if you choose to use them, then you will need to remove them when driving on tarmac without heavy snow covering.

Before you leave, give yourself at least ten minutes to prepare the car, clear the windows. If the lock is frozen, you may use the cigarette lighter to warm it up, breathing into the lock will cause it to condense and freeze again. Consider using routes that have less snow, and the ones that have more grit and clearer.

When driving in snow, it is imperative that you use gentle maneuvers and plan the stops at distances of approximately 10 times longer than usual. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for driving, remember when the boots are covered in snow, they have a higher possibility of slipping as you use peddles.

If you are on an uphill, avoid stopping until the way is clear and there is enough room between you and the other cars. When going downhill, use a lower gear and try to avoid using the brakes. If you are using automatic transmission, and the conditions are normal, use drive mode and let the gearbox adjust itself. In case you are stuck in snow, straighten the wheels, and clear the snow from them. Then use a sack or a piece of clothing in front of the driving wheel, which will give the tires some grip. After this, avoid stopping until the ground is firm enough, this will make certain you are safe while driving in snow.